Meeting up

Somewhere public and busy — a supermarket car park or a café — in daylight if you can. Take someone with you for high-value items. Check the item works before any money changes hands.

Spotting a scam

Pressure to pay a deposit before you have seen the item, a price far below everything similar, a seller who wants to move the conversation to WhatsApp or email, or a “courier” who will bring it to you once you pay. Any of these: walk away and report it.

What cannot be sold

Live animals, weapons, medicines, alcohol and tobacco, counterfeit or stolen goods, recalled products, and anything that needs a licence the seller does not hold. If you see one, report it — the listing comes down and the account is dealt with.

Reporting

Every listing has “Report this listing” at the bottom; every chat has “Report conversation” in its menu; every profile has a flag. Reports go to a person, and you will not be told what we did — but the account will be.

Getting in touch

Email support@marketplace.app with the listing or conversation you are writing about. We reply within two working days.